DeMeco Ryans is well aware of what awaits the Houston Texans Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
The defense will be tasked with containing former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, a job easier said than done. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback is as equally dangerous in the passing game as he is on the ground, which should present challenges for the Texans in Week 1.
Buy Texans Tickets“The challenge with Lamar is he’s one of the most dynamic players in the NFL,” Ryans told reporters Sept. 6. “You talk about the athlete that he is and the plays he’s able to make with his feet. But also, Lamar does a good job of putting the ball where he wants to put it.”
The Ravens signed Odell Beckham in the offseason and drafted receiver Zay Flowers in the first round. Baltimore also had tight end Mark Andrews and running back J.K. Dobbins on the roster.
Ryans knows the Ravens will look to attack Houston through the air with Jackson’s new weapons.
Said Ryans: “Their focus has been on [putting an] emphasis on throwing the ball more, getting him some more weapons on the outside, explosive weapons. And we’re going to have our hands full with that, being able to cover those guys but also having to deal with Lamar and his playmaking ability.”
Jackson has never faced Ryans as a defensive coordinator. When the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 on Dec. 1, 2019, Robert Saleh was the defensive coordinator and Ryans the inside linebackers coach. Jackson went 14-of-23 for 105 yards and a touchdown while also contributing 16 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown.
“He’s done a really great job for the Ravens, and they’ve been a consistent organization when it comes to winning and being in the hunt every year — those guys are always there,” said Ryans. “So, it’s a credit to coach Harbaugh and what he’s done with that entire group.”
